Minutes of the Chouteau Grotto Meeting November 1,
2000
This months meeting was called to order by Bob Lerch
at 7:12 pm.  There were 21.5 people present (Nathan's
son was the .5) at the meeting.  No one was present to
read the minutes to the October meeting, thanks to
Joan Biaz.  Treasurer's report $1379.80 in the
coffers.  MSS Director's report indicated there was
nothing to report.  Foresight editor was not present
until later in the meeting so there was no report.
Old business was discussed and the first area of
discussion was Rating Caves for safety purposes.  It
was concluded that each cave trip should have a
designated trip leader and that trip leader has final
say in the details to the trip.  The general concensus
was that we should rate caves and not cavers.  Jim
Huckins added that this is not a new topic, that is
has been discussed in the past and that it is an
ongoing issue.  Rick Walk (good to see you back) added
that each trip should have an assistant trip leader as
well to help with any problems that may arise.  Bob
indicated and it was agreed that there is no call for
a motion to be made on the issue.  The final
resolution was that there should always be a trip
leader and a thorough trip description of each trip
planned.  A card was passed to be signed by everyone
present for Anne Johnson.  David Webster purchased a
$35 arrangement in behalf of the grotto for the
funeral.  The receipt was given to Kevin for
reinbursement.  Officer nominations were made and the
result are as follows, Joe Hobbs/secretary, Kevin
Feltz/treasurer, Rita Wordin/vice chairperson and Bob
Lerch/chairperson.  Cave Reports:  Ben Miller had
visited School house and Bruce caves in Moniteau co..
recently and TAG cave in 10/5-10/8 with Jeff Williams
and Orin Wordin.  They visited Pretty well, Natural
well, Not so deep pit, South Pittsburgh pit and
Neversink.  Rick Walk had recently visited colosal
cave and I think he said Kitchner cave.  Mr. Huckins
talked of the conditions of caves drying due to
drought conditions in Arkansas and due to these
conditions we may never see some caves in the future
as we can now.  Amy Shields visited the Ozark
underground labs and has a CD of hard to access cave
texts that she has acquired.  She said she would loan
it out if anyone was interested or had the need.
Patti Williamson had visited a "cheesy" haunted trail
near Kingdom city and has found a campsite that would
be ideal for future use.  Cave trips:  There were two
openings for the November Brom More trip.  There were
sign-up sheets for a Hunters restoration trip 11/3/00
(see Bob Lerch for details), one for Spring cave
terminal push trip 11/5/00 (see Rita for details) and
Rollins #2 on 11/19/00 (see Rita for details).  Mike
Morgan mentioned that Dan Childress wants to plan a
Little Blair Creek trip in Shannon Co. for 01/2001.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 approx. and was
followed by a very interesting and educational slide
show on springs of Missouri by Jo Schaper.
Respectfully submitted, Jeff Williams for Joe Hobbs,
Secretary